The word “Nevada” ironically is a Spanish word meaning snow covered. Nevada is home to Death Valley, the Mojave Desert, Area 51, Sin City, and many other attractions. No matter the season, when you choose to run a marathon in Nevada, come prepared for the heat and come packing plenty of water. The heat will be abundant… the snow, not so much.
Labor of Love Marathon – Lovell Canyon
Average temperatures for this race can reach the mid-seventies so make sure you’re prepared for some heat. Several reviews mentioned that this is an incredibly challenging marathon; not only because of the elevation changes, but also because of the heat that they didn’t compensate for in their training. However, the views along the path and in Lovell Canyon are worth the uphill battle. Get more information here.
The Course
The race starts and ends at around 4,660 feet of elevation. The race reaches two peaks of about 5,150 feet and two of approximately 5,600 feet. It would be wise to train on incline and be prepared for the inclines and decline that you will surely face.
Credit: Calicoracing.com
“This was the most difficult marathon – mentally and physically – I’ve ever done! The wonder of running in this canyon is worth it. Because it is out of the way, there were few spectators, but the volunteers were great. It is an excellent race and I recommend it to others. Be prepared for hills, and weather extremes, but do it.” T.D., Marathonguide.com
“This was by far my most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. The course is the most beautiful route I have ever run. There is not a portion of this race that did not have a breathtaking vista. It is a very difficult course. If the grade and hills weren’t enough, I only previously ran around sea level. This is not a complaint, because I traveled two thousand miles to challenge myself. I gave the “Spectators” a mediocre rating because there were no spectators. Personally, I enjoyed that, as the other runners and volunteers were all I needed, but some people may not do well without crowd support.”-Corey Baker, Marathonguide.com
ET Full Moon Marathon – Rachel
If you have wanted to run a race at midnight with a slight chance of getting abducted by aliens then this is your race! ET Full Moon Marathon is truly one of a kind. The race takes place on Highway 375 which has been nicknamed the “Extraterrestrial Highway” because of the unusual number of UFO sightings.This race offers awesome star-scapes, mountains, gorgeous vistas, and an incredible sunrise towards the end of your race. Get registered here.
The Course
The race starts at around 4,500 feet of elevation and the first half of the marathon includes a climb to Coyote Summit which reaches a max elevation of 5,591 around mile 13. Once runners reach the peak, they will descend to 4,970 feet into the Town of Rachel. The runners will pass the finish line and finish the race with a three-plus mile out and back loop and return to Little A’le’Inn Restaurant where breakfast will be served at the conclusion of the race.
Credit: Calicoracing.com
Reviews
“This was a a race not from this world. Just north of Area 51 along ET highway NV 375, at midnight, under the full Moon, with hundreds of runners who looked like participants of an ET convention. The course was tough: 13 miles of steady uphill followed by 7 miles of downhill, past the finish line(!), 3 miles up and finally the longest 3 miles back towards the distant finish. Many thanks to the dedicated volunteers for their hard work during the long night shift. I camped in Rachel and had a chance to explore the area before and after the race. This place has something.”-B.K., Marathonguide.com
“A marathon at midnight in the desert under a full moon is a unique experience. You should try this race at least once in your life! Come prepared though since the course is challenging the first 13mi are uphill at an altitude of 5000ft. There wasn’t much fan support in the middle of the desert, but the volunteers are outstanding! It takes tremendous commitment to run an aid station at 2am in the middle of the desert all of the volunteers should be commended. Joyce, the race director, does a great job pulling off a logistically challenging race in the middle of the night.”-P.S., Marathonguide.com
Running with the Devil Marathon – Henderson
Running with the Devil Marathon includes everything you would imagine when running through the Mojave Desert. This race takes place in the end of June when the average daytime temperature is 90 degrees or even hotter! If you plan on running this race make sure you stay hydrated! Learn more here.
The Course
The course for this race is USATF Certified and starts on the Lovell Canyon Road (paved) for about 11 miles where you will face some gently rolling hills and a steady climb for several miles. From here, there is a 2.1 mile out and back then runners will retrace their earlier steps and run 11 miles back to the finish line. The total gain in elevation for this course is just under 2,230 feet so make sure you train for hills.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“This was my first experience with the “Devil.” This race offers a great view and a great chance to challenge yourself mentally and physically. If the hills don’t do you in, the heat will – and vice versa. It’s not a course for PR’s or fast times, but rather a demanding challenge for those who love an adventure. The race director, Joyce, is great and friendly. The people who ran the race with me were kind and friendly too. The entire course is pavement. There are cars on the course; it’s not closed. You need to bring a good 24-ounce water bottle with you or a Nathan Camelback. Bring your sunblock too! You’ll need it. I suggest wearing a hat and sunglasses as well. Wear socks that are thin and won’t blister your feet. Train on hills and in high heat for this one. Don’t come under-prepared or you’ll be walking up several hills! I had a great time at this race and I would definitely do it again!”-A.B., Marathonguide.com
“The race director provided a very challenging and safe Course in exterme conditions. The race staff provided outstanding support. With Badwater Experience Aid Station workers were able to bring many runners back to life, to be able to complete the event. With temps. of 116F and a very hilly course with up to 8% grade for miles, it was the aid Station workers that saved the day. All stations were very well stocked; I have never seen so much ice in the desert. If you are looking for lots of fun and a nice departure from the normal mega-marathons, this is the choice.”-Edward Lyell, Marathonguide.com
Death Valley Trail Marathon – Beatty
The Death Valley Trail Marathon takes place on a gravel jeep trail and takes runners (weather permitting) through Titus Valley and finishes in Death Valley. Take note that this race does NOT exclusively take place in Nevada. While this race starts in Nevada, this out and back race ends in California. The entire race takes place in Death Valley National Park in December so you shouldn’t run into too drastic temperatures. Death Valley Trail Marathon is limited to 250 participants so if you are looking to add Nevada to your fifty-state list and interested in this marathon, register early! Find out more.
The Course
You can never be 100% sure exactly what this course will have in store since it is relatively common for this race to be canceled due to weather and other unforeseeable events. The race starts at an elevation of 3,423 feet and reaches its peak at 5,428 feet a little ways into mile ten. From there, the course steadily descends (with a few short climbs) to 160 feet. The total gain for this course is 3,192 feet.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“If you need cheerleaders, bands, cups, medals with dates and fancy finish shirts, this is definitely not the place for you. But if you want GREAT people, laid-back and helpful organizers who don’t blow a fuse every five minutes, natural beauty that you can’t ignore, no crowds and no asphalt then come on down! I didn’t come close to a PR but really wasn’t expecting that. The mileage is hard-earned but the visuals are awesome. Definitely worth it and I will be there again in February.”- P.G., Marathonguide.com
“Did the 2010 race through Titus Canyon. Breathtaking scenery and very well organized event. About 3,000 feet of elevation gain during the first half of the race, and then a 5,000-foot descent for the last 13 miles. The facilities at the Furnace Creek Ranch are great as well. Highly recommended, and I plan to return again.” -S.F., Marathonguide.com